The Law Schools Global League (LSGL) is delighted to announce its forthcoming Academic Conference to be hosted by University of Pretoria Faculty of Law in South Africa. LSGL faculty members, researchers, and Ph.D. students are cordially to submit their research papers and participate in discussions on the conference theme: “A Reality Check: Comparative Analysis of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063 – Law as a Case in Point”.
Papers can be articulated, although not exclusively, around the following themes:
● Exploring linkages and synergies between SDGs 2030 and the AU Agenda 2063.
● Examining the legal systems that govern global sustainable development.
● Creating new solutions to address important concerns in South Africa, Africa, and across the globe.
● Analyzing human rights implications of SDGs and AU Agenda 2063 implementation.
● Assessing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies in African contexts.
● Examining the intersection of technology, law, and sustainable development.
● Developing policy frameworks for inclusive economic growth and social justice.
● Investigating migration, refugee, and displacement issues concerning SDGs and AU Agenda 2063.
● Strengthening institutional capacity for SDG implementation.
● Empowering marginalized communities through gender equality, children’s rights, and disability inclusion.
● Addressing pandemics, global health emergencies, and healthcare infrastructure.
● Conducting comparative studies of SDG implementation across regions and sharing best practices.
Guidelines
Applicants should submit an abstract of up to 500 words, together with a short CV in the same Word document. Submissions should be sent to upfacultyoflaw@up.ac.za by 13 March 2025 with the email subject clearly marked “Abstract Submission LSGL Academic Conference”.
Proposals will be reviewed by a panel consisting of the current LSGL co-presidents and faculty members from Pretoria University. Selected presenters will be informed by 25 March 2025.
Papers/presentations should be submitted in advance of the conference by 30 June 2025.
Expenses for Participation
The conference cannot provide funding for participant expenses. Researchers submitting paper proposals are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
About Law Schools Global League
LSGL brings together law schools that share a commitment to the globalization of law and to integrating global law in their teaching and research. The purpose of the League is to promote legal education and scholarly research in relation to the globalization of law by, among other things, fostering academic debate on the impact of globalization on law and setting a research agenda for this. The League’s agenda is broad and inclusive, covering all fields of law where globalization and interdependence are an issue.
More About the Theme
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (AU Agenda 2063) offer visionary frameworks for addressing a wide range of global challenges, with emphasis on inclusive growth, human rights, gender equality, quality education, maintenance and preservation of peace and security, and sustainable infrastructure. However, implementation issues are still a challenge.
Thirty years into democracy, South Africa is still dealing with entrenched economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental devastation. The impact of mining and extractive industries on marginalized communities remains a major concern as climate change threatens South Africa’s biodiversity, water security, and economic stability. Similarly, the country’s protracted energy crisis remains a major concern as the debilitating electricity outages have hampered economic progress and worsened inequality. Global disruptors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) compound these challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed shortcomings in the healthcare system as well as corruption in the South African public administration which undermined institutional trust. The 4IR brings significant technological innovations while exacerbating inequality, job dislocation, and digital divides.
These challenges are not unique to South Africa but are echoed in various forms across the continent. Environmental deterioration and excessive use endanger the African continent’s immense natural resources, ranging from biodiversity in the Congo Basin to the Nile River’s hydroelectric potential. The Sahel region struggles with drought, desertification, and food shortages, while the Horn of Africa and the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique struggle with civil unrest and armed conflict.
This landscape reflects broader global challenges. The triple pressures of 4IR-driven technological innovation, environmental degradation, and geopolitical conflicts combine to highlight the world’s interconnectivity. For instance, the digital divide remains a pressing issue in many Asian countries; with rural areas and lower-income populations struggling to access reliable internet, hindering economic growth and opportunities. Australia’s climate change vulnerability is starkly evident in its bushfire-prone regions, where rising temperatures and drought have created a perfect storm of environmental disaster. Across the Atlantic, France faces unique challenges in balancing national identity with cultural diversity, sparking debates on integration and social cohesion, and true gender parity remains elusive in the UK, where women hold disproportionately less leadership roles.
As the world navigates this intricate web of challenges, it becomes clear that innovative, collaborative solutions are essential as rising inequality, social unrest, migration, and digital governance are reshaping the contours of human security, while issues like pandemic preparedness and global health emergencies starkly highlight the world’s interconnectivity.